Plant Trees, Carry Sheep: A Woman's Spiritual Journey Among the Sufis of Scotland

by S.A. Snyder

Sarah flees an unfulfilling life in Montana to volunteer at a spiritual retreat in Scotland. But Braemar House seems more religious cult than safe haven. Not only is she expected to plant thousands of trees, look after flocks of poultry, and chase truant sheep, there are toilets to clean, dishes to wash, and firewood to chop. Can Sarah navigate contrasting spiritual beliefs under sometimes maddening circumstances to find her heart's longing? God, help her!

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

334 pages, Paperback

Published September 8, 2019

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book and just loved it. In a way, it reminded me of Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Some parts also reminded me a bit of A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. The author had her own unique voice, though, and it was so interesting to read of her spiritual journey and experiences in Scotland. The descriptions of her daily work and routines set a very peaceful tone and I was amazed at her discipline. It was also full of unique characters & various challenging situations that were at times frustrating and often comical.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting journey into the world of a spiritual retreat in Scotland. Not something I'll be doing in real life, so fun to experience it through reading.

[Darby O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enlightening and entertaining read on personal and spiritual growth. While I could never imagine ever doing something like this, I enjoyed experiencing Sarah’s journey through her eyes.

[SycPopPine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Mrs. SNYDER. I needed this, such a indulging read with life in Scotland from an American thrusting herself, fully head first, into life at Braemar. Becoming part of the unique and authentic weave. Growth, self reflection, humor, challenges. And the last line of the book, made my heart swell!!!

[Ruth Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely

Subject matter covers spirituality that should be contained in the description of this book. I am not a fan of exploring or explaining such personal thoughts. However, others may enjoy a glimpse into such personal matters.

[The Farmer's Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging writing that was overshadowed by too many words.

[Shabnam Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading true stories, and this one an adventure that showed so many different aspects of life to Snyder is truly enthroning. Snyder beautifully brushes a multi-layer canvas with her words. She describes her experience in a way that, as a reader, I traveled with her and got to know her characters deeply. I felt I knew the whole property by the end of the book with the clarity of description she offers with her words, and not only that, I felt emotionally attached to this place and all its maintenance. Snyder offers to explain with so many genuine emotions. After reading this book, a trip to Scotland is on my list. A visit to a place that its maintenance can bring so much joy and transformation to people who do it with love and brings opportunities that create close and loving relationships, a place to teach the vastness of life and spirituality. A journey that literally and figuratively everyone needs to learn the greatness of life!

[Naomi]

An account of the author's experiences in an intentional community on a wonderful old farm estate in Scotland. She graphically describes lots of muddy adventures with animals and gardens. There are also some complex characters and the general struggles of living communally with so much diverse humanity.